Martin started his creative life in the photographic industry at sixteen, after which he progressed to becoming a design and illustration artist.  In 2003 his love of professional artwork led him to open his commercial gallery 'Art Culture' in Marlow, UK, retailing works by Chagall, Dali and Picasso.

Through this experience, Martin discovered a passion for oil painting and wanted to learn. He studied with a variety of oil painters and Florentine Atelier-trained tutors who provided him with the knowledge and skills in traditional representational techniques.

Martin spent many days studying paintings in National and Mall Galleries in London.  He then spent hours at night carefully deconstructing what he'd seen and testing his ideas on canvas.

His work quickly sold within Art Culture, often reserved before completing the paintings. Art culture formed the home for a successful teaching career. This success led Martin to open The Classical Art Academy in Dorset, UK, in 2010.

Living and working along this award-winning coastline with beautiful forests is a source of constant inspiration for his paintings and teaching. An enthusiastic and motivational teacher,

Martin felt the 2020/21 Covid pandemic was the moment to bring his curriculum and teaching experience online. "Martin Close Art School" was launched in 2022.

Martin and his wife, Rachel, continue to sell original oil paintings and limited additions to private collectors (primarily) within the USA and UK. They feel grateful for their life by the sea with regular visits to North California and Oregon, USA.

Another passion of Martin's is music. An accomplished guitarist, now exploring the beauty and harmony of handmade Native American Flutes.